Days Like This

I've got a penchant for collecting systems that are seen as failures or sold in very low numbers compared to their competition. Systems such as GX4000, Philips CD-i and the Bandai Pippin, amongst others. One of the biggest failures was the Aquarius computer released by Mattel in June of 1983. It was discontinued 5 months later due to poor sales.  Compared to the Vic-20 and the TI-99/4A, it had weaker graphics and limited memory. Shown in the picture below is a modern remake by Sean P. Harrington, utilising a real Z80 CPU, dual AY sound chips, and 512MB of system memory. It runs original Aquarius ROMs as well as new software taking advantage of its new capabilities.

The Aquarius+

Retro Games Limited rereleased their Mini 64, this time in black and with updated games such as Sam's Journey, A Pig Quest, Steel Ranger and more. There are 25 games in total, with the ability to add more via a USB flash drive.

The C64 Mini Black Edition

Retro Games Limited also rereleased their Spectrum computer as a white edition. No changes to the games list compared to the first release, but it does include a USB flash drive and a recreation of the CRASH magazine. It does look nice in white.

The Spectrum White Edition

Namco's conversion of Time Crisis on the PlayStation is one of my favourite ports, and I played the heck out of it on release. Last year, a company called Gaime raised funds via Kickstarter to release the arcade version on a closed-circuit console along with a gun and additional gun-based games. The campaign was successful, and I received mine last year.

The Gaime Time Crisis Plug and Play Gun

Atari have been on a bit of a roll with their hardware releases. Late last year, they introduced their handheld called the GameStation Go. It has a 7-inch screen with an integrated trackball and spinner, and a library of 200 games. Five games in the Atari Recharged Series are included, as well as Balls of Steel pinball tables and 2600, 5200 and 7800 console games. It can add games via a USB flash drive. A separate controller was also released for 2-player games or for use instead of the on-board controls.

Atari's GameStation Go handheld and separate controller